VOLUME 122 NUMBER 7
Elul 15, 5786
August 28, 2026
Parshas KiSavo
Candlelighting Time 7:19
When the owner of a field brings his first ripened fruits to the Beis Hamikdash, he recites an entire litany that he has followed all the rules that pertain to tithing his produce. At the conclusion, he states that he has thoroughly enjoyed fulfilling the mitzvos and he also enjoined others in his happiness. Chasam Sofer questions how did the Sages deduct from the language of the verse this theme. All the Torah states is that he says I have fulfilled all that was commanded of me. His answer is so important for us to appreciate it because it sets a standard for us to live by in our understanding of our relationship with Hashem.
Often when one sells to another it is due to his need to generate funds. Of course in that situation the seller is somewhat depressed due to his loss of possession and buyer is thrilled because he has acquired something he needed. However, when Hashem gave us the Torah on Mt. Sinai not only wasn’t He upset in any way, on the contrary He was ‘happy’ to convey the precious Torah to us. And certainly, we were exceptionally delighted to receive it.
And in that vogue Hashem transmitted our obligation to observe the 613 mitzvos of the Torah. That is the golden standard of how one should view the mitzvos of the Torah as an opportunity to ascend to upraised zeniths of enjoyment and sharing that extreme delight with others. So too when we declare that we have fulfilled all the tithing obligations the underlying premise must be with tremendous joy encompassing others.
Actually, this thought provoking explanation of the Chasam Sofer is a story mentioned in the Talmud. The prophet Eliyahu frequented one of the Talmudic Sages Rav Beroka and he asked him who in the marketplace is destined to receive a portion in the World to Come. He pointed to two individuals and when asked what they do they responded that they are jesters. They are happy people and they spread their happiness to others who are sad. The commentators explain that the Talmud states elsewhere that when a person is gloomy, then Hashem also ‘enjoins’ him in his grief and commiserates with him. Therefore, in uplifting the spirits of that person they are also cheering up the Divine Presence itself. Although we may not appreciate this episode for its incredible encouraging value, Eliyahu clued us in that reaching a level of happiness within which to observe the Torah appropriately is not just a great act of kindness for another who is suffering but rather it is enthusing that despondent person to realize that he can indeed move forward in life and serve Hashem as he truly desires.
In the end of the parsha we read that one of the most devastating reproaches is that Hashem showered us with all that is good and beneficial and yet we did not respond appropriately and serve him with the appreciation and gratitude that we should have. Perhaps one would question why is it just a contention because one is not serving Hashem with a smile. And the obvious answer is that if a person is deeply involved in something that he truly enjoys and provides him with content then of course he will be happy. However, the converse suggests that if that beaming attitude is not present then we are witnessing someone who has no interest in serving Hashem properly.
A BYTE FOR SHABBOS
We were commanded to set up rocks after we entered the Land of Israel inscribed with the words of the Torah. The message was that we have the right to settle in the Land of Israel and enjoy its wondrous sacred atmosphere only when we realize that the Torah and its communiqué give us that right and opportunity.
RAV SHLOMO KLUGER
GOOD SHABBOS
